1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To speak positively about something in order to make it seem more appealing, valuable, or important.
"The CEO talked up the company's new product during the investor briefing."
separable
talk up
B2 informal separable transitive
To speak enthusiastically about something in order to make it sound better or more important.
In plain English
To say very good things about something or someone to make other people think it's great.
What does "talk up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
(Especially AusE/NZE) To speak loudly, boldly, or more confidently.
"Don't be shy — talk up so everyone in the room can hear you."
inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic informal
To persuade someone to pay or accept a higher price through negotiation or persuasion.
"The seller tried to talk the buyer up to a higher offer."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bring something up (to a higher level) by talking about it.
Actually means
To say very good things about something or someone to make other people think it's great.
Usage tip
Common in business, political, and media contexts. Can carry a slightly sceptical connotation — suggesting the promotion may be self-interested or exaggerated. Also used in Australian/NZ English to mean speaking boldly or more loudly.
Words that pair with "talk up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
economy product achievements investment benefits project
How to conjugate "talk up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
talk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
talks up
he/she/it
Past simple
talked up
yesterday
Past participle
talked up
have + pp
-ing form
talking up
continuous
Hear "talk up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "talk up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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